Fraud suspect extradited from Iraq to Dayton

Metin Atilan extradited from Iraq to Dayton on fraud charges. (Photo/Department of Justice)

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – The first person extradited from Iraq since 1936 is now in Dayton.

Metin Atilan, 54, is a former Department of Defense contractor whose home base was Las Vegas, Nevada.

He appeared before U.S. Federal Court Magistrate Judge Michael Merz on charges of fraud and conspiracy. He is accused of attempting to bribe United States officials in order to secure government contracts for his business.

“This historic extradition from Iraq to the United States is an example of our cooperation with law enforcement worldwide to bring fugitives to justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell. “Atilan’s return to the United States, after more than six years on the run, sends a clear message to fugitives: no matter where in the world you try to hide, we will find you, and we will prosecute you.”

Atilan is a dual U.S. and Turkish citizen. He was arrested in May 2008 in Las Vegas and placed on home detention. The Department of Justice says he cut off his electronic monitoring device that June and fled the country.

The government successfully achieved his extradition back to the United States. He arrived Sunday for his court appearance Monday. The judge set a bond hearing for July 31. Atilan was ordered held without bond until the hearing.